Richard Payson Shepardson, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away May 2, 2023.

Philip Bergson Jr., age 76, of East Orleans, Massachusetts passed away peacefully at his home after a short illness on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

He was born in Washington D.C. He was the son of the late Philip and Marjorie (Copelof) Bergson.

Philip was passionate about sunrises, gardening, pets, wildlife, woodworking and fine art plein air oil painting. His days were filled with expressing his love and caring nature for his family, friends and loving dog Brioche. He had a “quiet, gentle soul” with a “witty” sense of humor that was loved by all who knew him. Philip pursued his passion as an artist after retiring as a custom homebuilder. He found great joy traveling and visiting galleries for small art works that he referred to as “gems” (a large landscape captured in a small frame).

A graduate of Williston Academy, Easthampton, Massachusetts class of 1966 and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, class of 1970.

Philip leaves behind his wife Catherine Bergson, stepdaughter Cheryl Keefe, son-in-law Darren Keefe and step-grandchildren Cole Keefe and Cody Keefe. Brother Peter Bergson, Sister Patricia (husband Kenmore) Commoss, nieces, and nephews. He was the husband of the late Joanna Cook Chess Bergson.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Beacon Hospice Care, Hyannis, Massachusetts or Santos Complete Home Care, Orleans, Massachusetts for their loving compassion with helping Philip on his journey and loving support for his family who will deeply miss him.

Bob “Bumpa” Clapp, 81, a man of many passions and a friend to all, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 8, 2023, of Alzheimer’s related dementia. He was surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 7, 1942, in Rye, New York, Bob spent his formative years in Berlin, Connecticut, and Marstons Mills, Cape Cod. He was the son of the late Robert and Elizabeth (Zappey) Clapp.

Bob was a proud alumnus of The Williston Northampton School and Dickinson College, where he graduated with dual majors in political science and sociology. His intellectual prowess led him to serve in the US Army as a signals intelligence analyst from 1962-1964, where he held a top-secret security clearance and was commended for his work in cryptography. His talents caught the attention of the NSA, and though he declined their offer of employment, he continued to enjoy solving and creating cryptographic puzzles.

Following his military service Bob was a scout executive with the Boy Scouts of America and the director of The Upper School of the Harrisburg Academy. Bob spent 10 years working with people with intellectual disabilities on community integration activities. His passion for service extended to his volunteer work with the ARC of Franklin and Fulton Counties, where he significantly increased fundraising efforts by recruiting notable athletes like Joe Theismann and Franco Harris. Bob dedicated 30 years to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, retiring as the Coordinator of the Human Services Development Fund.

Bob was a true eccentric, a lover of orange tabby cats, and a friend to all. An Eagle Scout in his youth, he carried his love for the natural world into adulthood, sharing his interests and passions with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid follower of politics, a dedicated community volunteer, and a collector of rare butterflies, mermaid sculptures, and All American roses. He also enjoyed fly tying, hybridizing day lilies, and genealogy. His fascination with the natural world began in his youth with 14 beehives and continued throughout his life.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Gretchen Clapp Orr, his son Michael J. Richards, and granddaughters Emma Cole and Victoria Belvin. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rosemarie (Rosie); his brothers, Roger Clapp of Coronado, CA, and Peter Molchan of Queens, NY; his children, Robert Franklin (wife Staci), David Christiaan (wife Jasmine), David F. Richards (wife Marisa) Amy P. Richards-Cole, and grandchildren, Abigail, Christiaan, Colin, Jack, Jake, Jasper, Joey, John, Josh, Kara, and Mike.

A Memorial Service will be held at Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ, 626 Williams Grove Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The family will receive guests at 11 a.m., with the Memorial Service beginning at noon, followed by a light lunch. A private burial will take place at the convenience of the family at Lothrop Cemetery in Barnstable, Cape Cod.

In celebration of Bob’s life, the family encourages everyone to perform random acts of kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 20 E. Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.

David Stevens of Bocabec, New Brunswick and Easthampton, Massachusetts, passed away after a brief illness on April 28, 2023, in the Saint John Regional Hospital in Saint John, New Brunswick. Dave was born in Salem Massachusetts on May 14, 1948; he was the son of the late David Stevens and Virginia (Van Den Noort) Stevens and later his stepmother Ruth Berry Stevens. He leaves a brother, Daniel Stevens and wife JuJu Stevens of Gulfport, Florida, a step brother, Thomas Cross ’68 and wife Frances Cross ’70 of Dunnellon, Florida and numerous cousins.

As a young boy he had a passion for minerals which carried through into his later years when he turned to prospecting to make his living. He attended Williston Academy in Easthampton and later the University of Massachusetts where he edited the Yahoo Magazine. He did light shows for major rock and roll bands including J.Giles Band, Jethro Tull, and the Allman Brothers. During this time he was also an outspoken political cartoonist. His involvement in his local Bocabec area community included talks at local schools regarding minerals to be found locally and their history, working with a local hockey team and as a representative for the province at national mining symposiums and finally as a cartoonist for local papers with hard line opinions on various political stances. He was the New Brunswick prosecutor of the year multiple times. Dave was an opinionated man with simple needs and he felt at home in his community.

By David’s request there will be no visitations and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations to Ella Richardson Fund c/o Pastor Dunfield or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

William Fullam Krusell, 92, of Scituate, Massachusetts, passed away on April, 12, 2023 of a COVID related illness.
Born in Ware, Massachusetts he was the son of late Axel W. and Grace F. Krusell. Past husband of his first wife Cynthia Hagar Krusell ’47, the late Sally Dower Krusell, and his companion Debra Barnes. Father of Eric Krusell and his wife Anne of Scituate, Peter Krusell and his wife Michele of Duxbury and the late Nancy Krusell and her spouse Allison Wood of Port Clyde. Grandfather of Adrian, Eric, Laura, Timmy, Lissy, Pille and Hannah. Great Grandfather of Caroline, Maya, Emily, Jack, Joanna, Anthony, Dominic, Dana, Alexander. Brother of John Krusell and late wife Beverly of Kissimmee and children Jay, Tina and Stuart.
Raised in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, William graduated from Williston Academy and was a 1951 graduate of Amherst College. He spent his working career as owner/operator of Rapid Service Press. William spent his leisure time hiking, sailing, gardening, woodworking, enjoying music, and reading.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 4-6 PM at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate, Massachusetts 02066. Relative and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
The family would like to thank the Norwell VNA and Hospice, especially the caregivers for William: Brookeann Claffey, Heather Faith, Carol Skane, Karlene Casiner, and Naomi Moreau.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in William’s name can be made to the Scituate Historical Society at https://scituatehistoricalsociety.org/join-give/#donate

Matthew Edward Peck, age 72, passed away April 22, 2023 at Noble Hospital in Westfield, MA. Born in Springfield on August 31, 1950, to the late Edward C. Peck, Jr., and Ruth (Mahoney) Peck, Matthew was educated in West Springfield’s parochial and public schools; attended Williston Academy, St. Louis University, Holyoke Community College, and the University of Bridgeport; and earned an MBA degree at American International College.
A lifelong soccer player and all-around athlete, Matthew coached and played soccer in Puerto Rico and was chosen to be a part of the Puerto Rican National soccer team while living there from 1975 to 1978. Matt taught history at the Robinson School while in Puerto Rico and married Pamela J. Epler in 1975 in the Robinson School Chapel. After returning to Western Massachusetts, he and his older brother Robert published the New England Soccer News, one of the first soccer magazines in Western Mass. He also coached soccer at American International College. He taught history in the bilingual program and coached soccer at Springfield’s Commerce High School. Together, Matthew and Pamela worked with the Center for Human Development in Western Mass. and were instrumental in caring for several children in the custody of child services. Following his teaching career, Matthew shifted to a sales career, and, with business partner John Fleet, formed Fleet Business Products. After decades at Fleet Business Products, Matthew traded in the company Buick and embarked on a third career as a truck driver, fulfilling a childhood dream of driving a big rig around the country. Matthew was an avid reader of history, politics, and current events. Having hitchhiked through South and Central America in his 20’s, he loved speaking Spanish and maintained an interest in Latin American heritage and culture throughout his life. He enjoyed camping, canoeing, golfing, sailing his sunfish, and vacationing at the family beach house in Marshfield, MA.
He was an exceptionally friendly, welcoming, warm, and charismatic person and will be dearly missed by the many friends and relatives whose lives were brightened by his good cheer and happy outlook. With his former wife, Pamela Epler, now of South Hadley, MA, Matthew raised two children, Christopher J. Peck, of Springfield, MA, and Rosemary F. Peck, of Pittsburgh, PA, both of whom he loved very much. Matthew inspired a love of sports and athletics in his son Christopher, who currently holds a degree in Athletic Training and is a specialist in sports medicine equipment. Matthew encouraged a love of travel and languages in Rosemary, who also attended Williston Northampton School (’04) and St. Louis University, studying at SLU’s Madrid, Spain and Missouri campuses. More recently, Matt delighted in his new role as Grandpa to Rosemary’s now 18-month-old son, Nevin Edward Xia, of Pittsburgh, PA. For the past decade and a half, Matthew shared his life with Carolyn Charette, of West Springfield, and helped guide and mentor her son, Garrett, who has since completed a degree in dentistry at Boston University and is currently pursuing a degree in orthodontics at Georgia School of Orthodontics.
He leaves behind partner Carolyn Charette (West Springfield) and her son Garrett Charette (Atlanta, GA); son Christopher Peck (Kimberly Peck) of Springfield; daughter Rosemary Peck (Dr. Zongqi Xia) and grandson Nevin Edward Xia of Pittsburgh, PA, along with his former wife, Pamela Epler; five siblings: Robert J. Peck (Jill Lewin) of Agawam, Dr. Deborah A. Peck of Somerville, Mary Abigail Peck (Lorraine Gray) of Roslindale, John Patrick Peck (Mary Jane Peck) of Milford, and Richard A. Peck of West Springfield; five nieces and nephews: Tralice Peck Bracy (Robert Bracy), Jessie Peck, Eleanor Peck (Matthew Frey), Ryan DiLoreti (Suzanne Christie), and Skylar Peck; as well as several cousins and relatives among the Charette, Peck, Mahoney, Bucher, and Epler families.
Calling hours will be Friday, April 28, from 4-7 pm at the Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield. There will be a Funeral Mass Saturday, April 29 at 9:30 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church followed by a burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers donations in Matthew’s memory may be made to the West Springfield Youth Sports Assn., P.O. Box 868, West Springfield, MA 01090.

Mark W. Sullivan, a former executive at General Motors , died on March 14, 2023 of complications from diabetes. Mr. Sullivan was born in 1953 in Naples, Italy, where his father was stationed as a U. S. diplomat. After living in Italy and the Netherlands, he spent some time in the United States before joining his family in Vientiane, Laos. He was educated at Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA, and Occidental College. He then spent a period working for USAID in the Philippines before obtaining an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management in 1979. Mr. Sullivan spent 28 years at General Motors, taking positions of increasing responsibility as a manager in benchmarking and strategic analysis; his final role was as Manager of Strategic Analysis, responsible for analyzing industry trends in the automotive industry, and providing advice on financial and corporate strategy. After he left General Motors, Mr. Sullivan built on his experience to provide independent consulting services in the automotive industry. He is survived by two sisters, Anne Sullivan and Margaret Sullivan, and six nephews and nieces, Brian Wallach, Thomas Wallach, Peter Wallach, Mercedes Plessmann, Sarah Ross, and Maximiliano Plessmann. A memorial service will be held shortly. For details, please contact Pixley Funeral Home, Rochester MI at 248-651-9641. Donations in his memory may be made to I Am ALS, https://iamals.org.

Distinguished stage director Edward Payson Call died at his home in Seattle on February 1, 2023. Ed had a long and prominent career in the theatre starting in New York in the late 1950’s where he stage managed on Broadway. In 1963 Ed was part of the inaugural artistic staff of the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, working with famed director Dr. Tyrone Guthrie. After directing at the Guthrie and other regional theatres, Ed was hired as the founding Artistic Director of the Denver Center Theatre Company which opened in 1980. He led that company for five years.

In the 1990’s, he settled in Seattle but continued freelance directing and teaching in cities and universities across the country. He was passionate about introducing young people to Shakespeare, which led him to start the Young Shakespeare Workshop here in 1992. Ed created a free summer course for teens to study and perform sonnets, speeches and scenes.

Ed was brilliant, gifted, demanding, and loved the written word. His amazing productions on stages across the country thrilled thousands of audience members. Hundreds of actors, directors, theatre technicians and administrative staff have stories—some funny, some touching, all memorable— about Ed Call, the BFAD. Above all, he helped so many young people in our community kindle their own passion for the words and works of Shakespeare.

There will be a celebration of Ed’s life at his home on Saturday, February 11 at 2:00 pm. Memorials or donations may be made to the Stage Directors and Choreographers Emergency Assistance Fund.

“When he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, and he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night.” William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet